High altitude flying suit



March 11, 1947. M.HJ. RficHou 2,417,177

HIGH ALTITUDE FLYING SUIT Filed April 2, 1942 :s Sheets-Sheet 1brvew'lor': flazz'me JeanRic/mu I March 11, 1947. R|HQu HIGH ALTITUDEFLYING SUIT 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed April 2, 1942 M. J. RICHOU HIGHALTITUDE FLYING SUIT March 11, 1947.

Filed April 2, 1942 5 Sheets-Sheet 3 Patented Mar. 11, 1947 OFFICE HIGHALTITUDE FLYING SUIT Maxime Jean Richou Paris, France; vested in p theAttorney General of theUnited States Application April 2, 1942, serialNo.

In France March 13, 1941 My invention relates to high altitude flyingsuit, generally comprising an air and water-tight garment combined withan air-tight helmet, and it concerns more particularly apparatus of thekind above-referred to which is intended for use in an atmosphere ofrespiratory gas at a pressure different from normal, such as those forthe crew of aircraft for high altitudes where the air is hihglyrarefied.

My invention has for its object an apparatus of the kind above-referredto which will permit better visibility, more ease in moving andincreased safety in operation of the parts ensuring proper respirationof the user.

A further object of my invention consists in constituting the air-tightgarment in the vicinity of at least one of the articulations by aflexible material and by supporting said material by means so arrangedthat the play of said articulation is less affected by the action ofinternal pressure than if said means did not exist and preferably thatsaid articulation remains substantially balanced irrespective of thedecrease of external pressure.

Another object of my invention is to provide means whereby there may beadmitted into the device for ensuring respiration of the user, eitherair from the outer atmosphere, or air from a compressor or the like, ora gas such as oxygemsaid means being controllable throughappropriatedevices preferably supported by the breast-plateof theapparatus.

Still a further object of my invention is to provide the helmet with anumber of windows so disposed, more particularly in front of the user,on both sides and in the upper part, as to ensure the maximum visibilityin all directions.

Still a further object of my invention relates to the connecting meansbetween the different parts of the apparatus and more particularlybetween the helmet and the breast-plate and between the breastplate andthe garment; and it consists in providing said means with quicklydismountable clamping parts. Said means may 3 Claims. (01. 2"-2.1')

for instance comprise, in the case of the joint between helmet andbreast-plate, a ring or collar so arranged as to exert a wedging actionwhereby the respective surfaces are pressed against each other.

In the annexed drawings: Fig. l is a side view of an apparatus accordingto my invention.

Fig. 2 is a front view thereof.

Fig. 3 is a plan viewtoanenlarged scale of an 2 annular member attachedto the breast-plate for connecting same with the helmet.

4 shows the corresponding annular member attached to the helmet.

Fig. 5 is an enlarged partial cross-section showing the aforesaidmembers in contacting relation and pressed against each other by theclamping ring.

Fig. 6 is a partial plan view of the ring.

Fig. 7 is the corresponding cross-section.

Fig. 8 is a front view of the air valve.

Fig. 9 is a cross-section thereof.

Fig. 10 is a front view of the three-way controlling valve.

Fig. 11 is a cross-section thereof.

Fig. 12 is a fragmental front view showing to an enlarged scale a memberfor connection between the air-tight garment and the breast-plate.

Fig. 13 is a cross-section thereof.

Fig. 14 is a fragmental plan view showing an articulation member.

Fig. 15 is the corresponding cross-section,

Fig. 16 is a diagrammatical axial section of the pressure-limiting valveand Fig. 17 is a fragmentary vertical section of a window in the helmet.

The apparatus illustrated in Figs. 1 and 2 is intended for use onaircrafts flying at high altitudes. 'Itcomprises an airtight garment I,made of rubberized fabric or the like, strong enough to support thedifference between internal and external pressure, and enclosing theusers body, as in the case of a diving suit. The said garment covers thelegs and arms of the user and extends up to the breast-plate.

In order to facilitate the users motions, the said garment is providedwith appropriate articulations so arranged as to'be substantiallyunaffected by the difference between internal and external pressure.Each articulation preferably comprises two rigid annular members 2 and 3(Figs.2, 14 and 15) disposed each side of the geometrical axis XX of thearticulation, the fabric being fixed to said members in any appropriatemanner, and these two members are connected with each other by means oftwo rigid or nonrigid connecting rods 4 and 5, made for instance ofsteel cable, preferably braided with strings. Connecting rods 4 and 5are substantially disposed in one and the same plane and the lattersubstantially contains the geometrical axis XX of the articulation, asshown in Fig. 2 for an elbow, such axisbeing shown as parallel to theplaneof the drawing for the sake of clearnes's.

clamping Connecting rods 4 and 5 are pivoted to members 2 and 3 aboutaxes 9 and 1 substantially parallel to the articulation axis andpreferably disposed beyond each corresponding member 2 or 3 with respectto the said articulation axis. It will easily be grasped, for instance,that in Fig. axis 3 is situated below member 3, while the articulationaxis XX lies above same (Fig. 2).

The fabric of garment I is firmly attached to members 2 and 3 and theportion of fabric com-. prised between the latter is long enough to forma sort of bellows 8 affording the necessary degree of freedom for thearticulation.

It will be seen in Fig. 2 that the same arrangement is used for theknees. The articulation for the shoulders comprises two annular members9 and I0 connected with each other'by means of connecting rods l l andI2 which are preferably curved, as shown. The upper member 9 is inturnconnected by means of rods 53 and i l with parts 15 fixedto the fabric.It will be noted that herethe pivoting axes I3 of rods I3 and M on partsI5 is perpendicular to their pivoting axes I! onmember 9, sucharrangement permitting motion of the arm in any direction.

The device corresponding to the wrist is somewhat similar, but theconstruction is simplified. It comprises a non-rigid ring [8, made ofsteelcabl'e, fixed to the fabric, for instance by stitching, and thesaid ring is connected to a rigid ring 21 by means of steel cables l9pivoted at 29 on ring 2i and fixed by their other ends to ring l8.

The helmet 24 forming the upper part of the apparatus preferablycomprises, as shown, two front windows 25, two side windows 25 and twoupper windows 21, such an arrangement affording good visibility in anydirection. Each window is formed of two thicknesses of safety glass withan electrical heating device [9|] in the intermediate space to preventfrost formation. The electric current may be supplied by the electricalsystem of the aircraft through an easily detachable plug.

The helmet is tightly fixed to the breast-plate of the apparatus bymeans of quickly removable connecting and clamping means preferably ofthe type acting through wedge-shaped portions. In the constructionillustrated in Figs. 1 to 5, the connection between helmet andbreast-plate comprises two annular members 23 and 29. Member 28 isintegral with the lower part of the helmet (which is shown in section inFig. 4) and it is provided with an annular groove 39 into which fits anannular projection 3! provided on member 29, a rubber ring 22 beinginterposed for air-tightness. Member 29 is attached to the upper part-ofthe breast-plate. Moreover both members are provided with correspondingrecesses or cut-out portions respectively 33 and 34 along theirperiphery.

Members 28 and 29 are clamped against each other by means of a clampingring 35 (Figs. 5 to 7) .provided with handles 36. Ring 35 preferablycomprises a lower inner rib 3'! adapted to be axially retained betweenthe lower face of the plain portions 38 Fig. 5), formed between thesuccessive recesses 34 of member 29 (Fig. 3), and a number of washers 39(Fig. 5) fixed by screws 49 against bosses 4| projecting downwardlybelow member 29.

Ring 35 is also formed at its upper part'with a number of inwardlyprojecting portions 42 (Fig. 7) the number anddimension's of which kindof 85. 4 tively between plate 85 and socket 89, and becorrespond withthe recesses or cut-out portions 33 and 34. These projecting portions 42are formed with their lower face oblique both ways as shown at 43, thethickness decreasing from the middle to the ends. And the plain portions95 (Fig. 4), formed between the successive recesses or cut-out portions33 of member 28, have their upper face oblique both waysvcorrespondingly as indicated at 49.

It will easily be grasped that the helmet may be properly placed on thebreast-plate provided ring 35 is disposed that the plain portions 45 ofmember 28 may pass between the successive projections 52 of ring 35.Then by rotating the latter in any direction the oblique faces 43 ofring 35 engage the oblique faces 69 of member 28 and clamp the latterdownwardly against member "29, as shown in Fig. 5. By rotating ring 35in the reverse direction, the parts become again disengaged.

The breast-plate 32 of the apparatus (Figs. 1 and 2) is also preferablyconnected with the garment l by means of quickly dismountable connectingmeans; This connection is effected along such a contour that when thebreast-plate is detached, the opening in the garment is large enough forthe user to have access into the same.

Figs. 1, 2, 12 and 13 show the preferred construction which ensuresair-tightness while preserving some flexibility.

The joint comprises along its length a number of plates 95 regularlyspaced from each other, these plates being disposed within a hem 86formed on the upperedge 81 of garment I. Fig. 2 only shows three ofthese'plates, but it is understood that others are distributed along thewhole length of edge 81. Each plate is provided with a threaded rod 83,fixed by welding or soldering, such rod receiving a socket or collar 99integral with a sector-shaped wing 99 provided with a hole 9|. A fly-nut92 screwed on rod 89,. is adapted to press wing 99 toward plate Washers93 and 94 are interposed respectween the latter and nut 92. An angleiron 95 extends along the edge of breast-plate 32 and is tightly fixedthereto by rivets 91, the distance between the successive rivets beingequal to the distance between the successive holes 9! of wings 99. Acontinuous packing member 98, made of rubber, is disposed in the angleof iron 95 as shown.

To fix the breast-plate 32 on the garment I, the edge of the former,with the angle iron 95 and the rubber packing 98, is introduced betweenplates 85 and wings 99, the heads 99 of rivets 9'! being accommodated byholes 9|, as shown in Fig. 13. Nuts 92 are then screwed up and therubber packing 98 is thus firmly pressed against the edge 31 of thegarment, which ensures airtightness, The heads 99 are retained inposition within holes 9!, which prevents any slipping. I

The joint between the breast plate and the garment could also beeffected by non-dismountable means, in which case an opening would haveto be provided in the garment for the user, such opening being closed byan air-tight closure. 7

The apparatus described comprises means to feed the inner space, or atleast the helmet, with a respiratory gas under substantially constantpressure, the latter being maintained by a manometr-ic devicepreferablydisposed within a heat-insulated housing 45( Figs. land 2) atthe upper part of the helmet.- As shown in Fig. 16,

this device comprises a set of-barometric cells 460.; submitted to theinternal pressure within the ported by the breast-plate, whereby theiractuation bythe user is particularly easy. A control valve may beprovided for each particular admission, or two admissions may becontrolled by a multi-way valve, or there may be provided but onecontrolling distributor.

The construction illustrated comprises a valve controlling access of theouter air and a multiway valve controlling compressed-air and oxyenadmission.

The valve 50 controlling the access of outer air comprises (Figs. 2, 2,8 and 9) a circular body 5! provided with a threaded periphery, as shownat 52. A cap 53 is screwed on body 5!, the said cap being manuallyactuated by means of a handle 54. Body 5| and cap 53 are provided withsectorshaped openings 55 and 56. When cap 53 is screwed up on body 5!,openings 55 and 56 are not in registering relation (position shown inFigs. 8 and 9). By unscrewing cap 53, openings 55 and 56 are brought inmore or less complete registration, whereby air from the outeratmosphere may have access to an opening 5| provided through thebreast-plate and thence to a conduit H (Fig. 1) which opens upwardly inthe vicinity of the user's mouth. A packing plate 58 providesair-tightness at the closed position of the valve.

Valve 50 is preferably so arranged as to act as an emergency adjustableexhaust for the case of failure of the automatic exhaust device 46. Toattain this purpose, body 5! is formed with a radial hole receiving aball 59 pressed outwardly by a spring 60. Ball 59 may engage a number ofholes or depressions 56a formed in a skirt 6! integral with cap 53. Theuser may thus adjust the degree of opening of the valve to maintain anappropriate pressure within the apparatus without any risk of accidentalrotation under the action of vibrations, shocks and the like.

The multi-way valve is provided with means ensuring automaticdisconnection of the compressed-air hose (or of any other line betweenthe user and the craft) for a given position of the controlling handleand preferably for the position corresponding to oxygen admission, suchan arrangement being of particular advantage when the user has to leavethe aircraft by means of his parachute.

The said multi-way valve may comprise a body 65 (Figs. 10 and 11) withfour conduits 66, 61, 68 and 69, and a rotatable plug 70 provided withtwo radial passages at right angles. According to the position of plug10, conduit 66 is connected with conduit 61, or conduit 68 is connectedwith conduit 69. Conduit 66 receives a hose admitting compressed air;conduit 61 leads through the breast-plate into the apparatus; conduit 68is connected with the oxygen bottle (not shown" in Fig. 2) conduit H. i

Plug 10 is actuated by means of a handle 12 51 integral with asector 13provided with an arcuate elongated opening 14 in which there is engageda roller 15 rotatably carried by a lever 16 (Fig. 11) pivoted at 11. Asshown in Fig-10, there are two pivots 11, lever 16 being in the form ofa fork. Lever 16 carries pivots 16a (Figs. 10 andll) forhooks 18 whichengage pins 79 and conduit 69 leads to the aforesaid projecting radiallyfrom the end ring of the compressed-air hose 80.

At the position shown, which corresponds to the connection betweenconduits 66 and 61 (admission of compressed air into the apparatus)hooks 1'8 press the end-ring of hose 80 against a packing seat Blprovided within conduit 66. By rotating handle 12 anti-clockwise throughabout 45", the valve is wholly closed. Opening 14 being substantiallycircular in the vicinity of its right end (in Fig. 11), roller 15 is notactuated and hooks 1B are not moved. Of course handle 12 may be restoredto its-former position by rotating same clockwise through about 45.

When handle is rotated through about 180, connection is establishedbetween the oxygen bottle and conduit 69, which permits oxygen accessinto the apparatus. Owing to the spiral shape of opening 14, roller 15is moved towards the centre of the valve. Pivots 16a rotateanticlockwise about pivots l1 and therefore move towards the right ofFig. 11, whereby hooks 18 are progressively disengaged from pins 19.Hose 85 may thus be freely disconnected.

A tubular guide 82 fixed to conduit 65 is provided with a doubleV-shaped groove 83 forming a guide for pins 19 when hose 80 is to beconnected with the valve body.

It will be noted that the air ports in the multiway valve permit astrong air circulation within the apparatus thus ensuring respiration ofthe user and elimination of carbon dioxide and moisture.

It will be understood that the above description does not limit myinvention, the details of which may vary within the ambit of theappending claims.

It may be noted for instance that the condition to be fulfilled toobtain perfect balance of an articulation irrespective of the differencebetween internal and external pressure, is that the volume comprised forinstance within bellows 8 between members 2 and 3 does not vary when thearticulation is actuated. If this volume tends to decrease, the internalpressure tends to extend the articulation i. e. to act against the user.

But it may be of advantage to devise the parts in such a manner that thesaid volume tends either to decrease less than if the supporting meansdid not exist or to increase, in which case the articulation is notstable, the internal pressure acting respectively against or with theuser when the latter rotates the articulation.

I claim:

1. An air-tight suit comprising an air-tight garment, a breast platetightly fixed to said garment, a helmet adapted to be fixed to saidbreast plate, and quickly dismountable clamping means to insure tightconnection between said helmet and breast plate, said clamping meanscomprising an indented annular member fixed to said helmet and havingfiat projections between the indentations and a rotatable clamping ringooaxial with said member, said clamping ring being provided with twospaced internal circular ribs, the first rib being continuous and thesecond rib being recessed in registration with the fiat portions of saidannular member, the fiat portions of said recessed rib beingwedge-shaped to exert clamping pressure on said projections when saidclamping ring is rotated.

2. An air-tight suit comprising an air-tight garment, a breast plateadapted to be fixed to said garment, a helmet tightly fixed to saidbreast plate, and means carried :by the upper edge of said garment andadapted to press said edge against the edge of said breast plate, saidmeans comprising plates tightly fixed to the edge of the garment, rodscarried by the plates, a collar on each ro-d, said collar being formedwith a lateral wing adapted to press the edge of the breast plateagainst said last-mentioned plates, a nut on each of said rods and apacking member disposed along the upper edge of the garment.

3. The suit as set forth in claim 2 wherein the plates fixed to the edgeof the garment are held in an upper hem of said garment.

MAXIME JEAN RICI-IOU.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file ofthis patent:

Number Number UNITED STATES PATENTS Name Date Lasaux Feb. 19, 1935Prouty Feb. 21, 1922 Stanley Aug. 22, 1933 Stelzner Dec. 19, 1916 StoveOct, 25, 1892 Beall I Nov. 30, 1943 Crowley Jan. 5, 1943 Freygang Oct.19, 1937 Lassaux Feb. 19, 1935 Beall II Nov. 30, 1943 Kronhaus June 3,1941 Camm Nov. 10, 1914 FOREIGN PATENTS Country Date France Dec. 2, 1932Britain Feb. 20, 1939 Britain 1935 OTHER REFERENCES APC-Richou, 437,449,published May 11, 1943.

